Our project consists of a handful of sensors inside a small box, approximately the size of an A5 paper with a depth of 5 cm. The sensors inside the box are based on a modular system, so it is very easy to change which sensors are inside – in that way, the environmental measurements taken can be customized for each specific project. Each box works independently and transfers the measured data to an online database via GSM, so the number of boxes mounted for each project is also easy to vary.
In this project, we are measuring at eight different locations around DTU campus; six locations outside, where the boxes are mounted on the lamp posts made for the purpose, and two locations inside DTU library on two different floors. The boxes are measuring temperature, humidity, noise and different gas levels. They are also collecting their own GPS location.
On a larger scale, the point with this project is to develop a method for collecting data which relies on having a large amount of measurement points which are a bit less accurate, rather than having very precise measurement equipment, which can only be present at a very few places simultaneously. While a lot of companies are currently working with the last mentioned method of having few precise measurements, no competitors are so far offering a service similar to what we want to do. It can be compared to having either a crystal clear picture or a low-quality video of the same situation; sometimes the picture will give the information needed, but sometimes the video will actually tell you more about what is going on. On that note, it can be said that our data collecting method can be used as a supplement for the more expensive and precise ways of collecting data today. We can make the video, and then it can be decided which areas/situations/moments it is interesting to look further into.
The project originated from the course “Innovation and Product Development” at DTU during spring 2016, which we have now taken further in a new special course. This is done in collaboration with Roskilde Festival. At the festival 2016 we had eight sensors hanging at large poles around the camping area, collecting data about e.g. dust levels and noise levels. This data and the experiences gained from doing these data measurements will be used as foundation for during the measurements at DTU in this project.
We are in collaboration with the start-up company Symposure. This company has an agreement with Aarhus municipality about mounting similar sensor boxes around the city of Aarhus in the near future.
Contact
Tobias Brasch, s113618@student.dtu.dk
Charlotte Petersen, s123051@student.dtu.dk
or contact Smart Campus to hear more.